The Chicken Chronicles: Zorro Teaches Us All About Humility

Meet Zorro

Yes, I know, Zorro is not a girl’s name, but Zorro is, in fact, a hen. Blame it on me. Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots, and ruined your black tie affair….what can I say, I loved the television series “Zorro” as a kid, so when Bev allowed me to name this lovely chicken I hesitated not one second.

The first thing you will notice about Zorro is that she is one damn beautiful chicken. She is solid black with intense blue highlights. When the sun hits her she seems to be shimmering….no joke….this is a lovely bird. She is, in fact, bred for show. Go to county fairs and you will see her breed gathering ribbons while lesser species just gather dust.

She is meant for high heels and slinky evening dresses. She is meant for caviar and fine Dom Perignon. She is meant for just about anything other than hanging out in our backyard at 1828 Fir Street in Olympia, Washington, but here she resides and I would like you to meet her and get to know her a bit better.

Not One of the Original Six

Zorro is a replacement. When one of our original six turned out to be a rooster (forbidden by law within the city limits) we returned to the chicken breeder and picked up Zorro.

I would love to say that Zorro was immediately welcomed by the original members of our flock but that would be a bald-faced lie. They had formed a clique, having been together almost since birth, so this majestic black bitch was not warmly greeted those first few days. She was shunned. She was outcast. She was pushed aside at meal times and she was bullied by Butter Bitch whenever the opportunity arrived.

Perhaps there was some jealousy at work here, for the rest of the chickens look like Ruth Buzzi at a Miss America Contest when Zorro is in the vicinity. Perhaps there was just the natural order of things. Strangers are always slow to be received by the locals. It takes time to establish rapport. It takes time to establish trust. And so it was in our backyard farm.

Good information for beginners

Progress Was Made

Slow but sure, progress arrived. As the days became weeks, and the weeks months, Zorro was given the acceptance she needed and deserved, and today she is just one of the gang, a princess among paupers but a very integral part of the team.

The pushing and bullying have ended. Resentments have been forgotten, and even Butter Bitch, who you will learn about at a later date, has grudgingly allowed Zorro to find her place and make her mark….and what a mark that is.

We All Have Issues

How’s that for a true statement? Who among you has no issues? LIAR! I saw you in the corner with your hand up smirking at the rest of us sad sacks with our traumatized childhoods. Don’t you dare tell me you don’t have any damn issues!

Oops, sorry…..I’ll get control of my own issues and continue the story.

The thing about Zorro that is remarkable is that she does not seem to realize just how beautiful she is. She is the shyest of all the chickens. She is reluctant to state her opinion and can often be found wandering among the herbs in quiet contemplation. If chickens read books then Zorro would be reading “Pride and Prejudice” while sunning herself and sipping tea.

Zorro, in fact, seems to go out of her way to be unobtrusive. There is no inflated ego with Zorro, no “I’m better than you” syndrome that is so utterly boring in many divas. There are no extended hours in the chicken bathroom primping in front of the mirror, and never will you hear a disparaging word from Zorro when she is around Regalia, our cross-beaked ugly. In fact, Zorro has made it a point to befriend Regalia, our own modern-day version of “The Beauty and the Beast” playing out on our stage each and every day.

Yes, as hard as it may be to believe, Zorro is gorgeous but has no ego. Imagine, if you will, Angelina Joline working among the lepers…that is Zorro! Imagine Marilyn Monro at a Monster Truck Rally…that is Zorro! Imagine Audrey Hepburn at a mud-wrestling competition…that is Zorro!

I don't know why but the music amused me in this video

A Heart of Gold

As the sun sets and the chickens head to the coop, the last in line is always Zorro. As the other five secure themselves on the roost and fluff their feathers in anticipation of a long-night’s sleep, Zorro stands outside and keeps a watchful eye on the gathering gloom. There are dangers out there as dusk arrives. Raccoons and possums for sure, all eager to snatch an unsuspecting hen; ever-vigilant hawks ride the thermals waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and the occasional eagle and owl can be seen surveying the buffet table of chicken delights.

In the face of such dangers stands Zorro. She makes one last trip around the yard looking for signs of danger, and then stands on the ramp that leads into the coop and turns her head to the skies, always on guard for those who would threaten her friends. Only when she is convinced that all is safe will she begin to turn for the warm confines inside. She announces to those who are listening that her family is settling down for the night, that she will tolerate no late-night dramatics, and anyone who enters uninvited will suffer her wrath.

And then the beauty queen humbly takes the last place on the roost and settles in for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Zorro and her step-sister Butch | Source

Lessons Learned

We all have talents. We all have special gifts that others do not have. That is the way of life. To say one gift is more important is silliness. My gifts do not make me a better person; only different. The only determining factor in judging the true value of a person is their actions. Do they walk the talk? Do they live their beliefs?

In Zorro we find a creature of uncommon beauty, and yet she does not act special. In Zorro we find a creature who could garner all sorts of praise and awards, and yet she does not seek them.

What is important to Zorro is a sense of community. All for one and one for all, that is her credo and that is the mark by which she will be judged.

If ever there was a chicken who could flaunt pride in her beauty, that chicken would be Zorro, and yet she makes no effort to do so. She simply wants to belong, and she simply wants to live in harmony with others. She could have been insulted by her reception during those early days with the flock, but instead she understood that she had to earn respect, for respect is not a birthright but rather a reward for a life well-lived.

Comments

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sending

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Very true Made. I surround myself with quality people and that way my life is quality by extension. :) Thank you for catching up.

Madeleine Salin 4 years agofrom Finland

There are many Zorros out in the world. I really like these kinds of chickens a.k.a. people. The beauty comes from inside and shows on the outside.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Jo, nice pun my friend. No, we are only allowed five so we can't get more here in the city, but once we get to the farm of our dreams we will have many more.

blessings always

bill

Jo_Goldsmith11 4 years ago

Hello Bill,

Another great read. Are you planning on getting any more chickens? I believe it speaks of the great talent you are that you can turn something so fowl into a beautiful story! Shared, voted up and so appreciated.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Glimmer, it's hard introducing new members to the pet family. We did that with a dog a year ago and it took seemingly forever for him to fit in. Thanks for the visit; you are always appreciated here.

Claudia Mitchell 4 years ago

This fits our family well right now. We adopted a new dog a few weeks ago and it has been interesting to see how our Max is getting along with our new dog. They've been checking each other out etc... Max is still not quite sure of this new guy.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Rolly my friend, that new kid on the block syndrome does indeed affect us all. We all learn to adjust and hopefully we are better for it. Thank you buddy, and I hope your weekend is a restful one. Stay warm!

hugs from Oly

bill

Rolly A Chabot 4 years agofrom Alberta Canada

Hi Bill... Zorro is one cute Babe and certainly comes with a pleasant disposition... I love the way you have put this together. I think we have all been the new kid on the block, the new guy at the table, the new person to be scrutinized. This has been a good lesson for life and a reminder we are all part of the body who make up the world... very enjoyable read... Now I think I will go sit outside on the step and make sure all is well... thanks for the lesson Zorro...

Hugs from Canada... scanning the skies...

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Rasma, I will tell Zorro what you said about her. She will be very appreciative, as am I. :)

Gypsy Rose Lee 4 years agofrom Riga, Latvia

Voted up and awesome. I sure love Zorro. I think she could make the cover of Time magazine as the most beautiful chicken. Enjoyed reading about her and you tell it so well. Passing this on.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

LOL...thank you Suzette. We will all rest easy knowing she is part of the community. She really is a pretty bird and very enjoyable to watch.

Suzette Walker 4 years agofrom Taos, NM

Beautiful example, Bill. I have never seen a black chicken before, so this is new to me, but you are right, she is beautiful. All every chicken, person etc wants is to be accepted and loved. I am so glad, despite her early difficulties, she is now well accepted and part of the gang. I will rest easy now, knowing Zorro is happy and thriving. By the way, I love the name and I think it is a good name male or female.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Brandi, now who's making who laugh. Yes chickens eat grass. They have been quite pleased with ours now for eight months. If I had twenty more I would never have to mow. LOL I love it. As for the zoning, what a laugh. I've got some hens who are every bit as loud as any rooster. Typical politician decision based on absolutely no research.

Thanks my friend; glad you got a chuckle out of this.

CraftytotheCore 4 years ago

You always make me laugh, but you always have a way of saying truth in your Hubs. My grandfather raised chickens when I was growing up. I think it's so silly that zoning stops residents from having too many roosters! LOL That one cracks me up.

Now the age old question....do chickens eat grass?

I went to a farm several years ago with my children to pick apples. The farm recently put up a chicken coop with lots of chickens running around. I naturally grabbed some tall grass to show my children how to feed it to the chickens because they had pecked their coop clean right down to dirt. A family came up beside us. A little boy said to his mother, "do chickens eat grass?" The young mother said, "no silly, chickens don't eat grass. That's absurd. They eat grain and bugs and stuff people feed them, but not grass."

Well big mouth here said, "really?" "Then why is the bottom of the coup picked clean of any sign of grass? Who did that? Not the chickens???" LOL

Anyway....

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thanks Deb! Tomorrow you'll learn about Butter Bitch.

Deb Hirt 4 years agofrom Stillwater, OK

Zorro is wonderful. I can't wait to hear about the rest of the clan.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Genna, I am so glad you enjoyed this. I really enjoy writing about life and the commonalities we all share. The chickens have given me a vehicle in which to talk about these things. It is great fun being a writer.....thank you my friend.

Genna East 4 years agofrom Massachusetts, USA

“If chickens read books then Zorro would be reading “Pride and Prejudice” while sunning herself and sipping tea.” Lol. One of my favorite novels. :-) Terrific hub. I loved it, and the parable, and needed the grins and chuckles. Thank you, dear Billy!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Thank you so much for the visit.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thanks Dianna! I had loads of fun writing this one and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Karen A Szklany 4 years agofrom New England

Hey Bill,

Thanks for introducing us to Zorro. Every time I read one of your hubs, I look forward to the next time we are "on duty" to take care of our chickens (each week there are 2 co-op households who share the care of the chickens for the week). Our turn is the week of Christmas.

Now that December is here and it is close to the solstice, I bought some fruit to make solstice 'edible arrangements" (wreaths) for the birds and small furry mammals who need extra help finding food this time of year...and will give the scraps to our chickens.

We have one beautiful lady who is black with white speckles, who looks like she has a perpetual dusting of snow on her....our resident beauty...and she seems to have a rather sweet disposition, too. ~:0)

Happy holidays to you and Bev and your extended families!

Dianna Mendez 4 years ago

Ruth Buzzi, now that's a person I have not pictured in many years. How funny! I do love your reference to Angelina and Marilyn, such a classy chicken! We can learn a lot from watching animals and you have made this a very enoyable lesson.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you LK....I love your last phrase. I appreciate your kind words...intuitive artist....who would have ever guessed it when I was younger? :)

LKMore01 4 years ago

You are a true intuitive artist, Bill. You can observe chickens, animals, the snow or mountains and use your unique perspective to understand their wisdom and beauty. You masterfully unveiled the Mask of Zorro.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

and thank you again vkwok. :)

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you for reading it, vkwok. Have a great weekend my friend.

Victor W. Kwok 4 years agofrom Hawaii

Thanks for sharing this interesting story Bill.

Victor W. Kwok 4 years agofrom Hawaii

Really nice story, Bill. Thanks for sharing.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Nadine, I have kicked that idea around a bit, but I have no experience in children's literature. Something to think about for sure, and thank you so much my friend.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

LOL...SweetiePie, that is beyond weird. How bizarre! My goodness, what will we all think of next? Well thank you; I'm glad you like Zorro and I appreciate you stopping by.

Nadine May 4 years agofrom Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Ha Ha I have a feeling I did just that, visiting your back garden. If only Zorro knew how privileged she is to be the main character of your article. Or does she know? Yes SweetiePie is correct. Zorro could become a main character for a children's book. Blessings to you both...

SweetiePie 4 years agofrom Southern California, USA

Zorro is a beautiful chicken. Have you heard about the book Buddy, where a man's girlfriend allows a chicken to live in their house. The story got kind of weird when it turns out they fed Buddy chicken fingers. I like your chicken story better.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

I did not know that Joelle...thanks for letting me know.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Good evening my friend Michael,

Wonderful comment. Zorro is showing much better behavior than some humans I know. Perhaps she should have her own radio talk show where she could spread her wisdom to the masses. :) I am joking of course.

I am already blessed and prosperous my friend, but I can always use more.

blessings to you and yours

bill

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Faith, it is always a pleasure for me to share my family and my thoughts. Thank you for being willing to read and comment loyally.

blessings always my friend, and have a wonderful weekend.

bill

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you dear Maria. We all played a part in naming our brood...I'm glad you like them all.

My week is wonderful; I hope yours is as well.

love,

bill

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Vellur, I wish we could all realize that as well. Thank you for your thoughts. I always appreciate your visits.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

I hope you get your wish, Patty! Thanks for dropping by my humble abode.

kidscrafts 4 years agofrom Ottawa, Canada

Did you know that today was Volunteer Day 2013?

Michael-Milec 4 years ago

Hello billybuc.

This is awesom life's lesson and you're willing to take blame, giving opportunity to answer challenge to share with you what is " written "in between the lines. I found out that predominant tendency of Zorro's spirit shows qualities of lecturing position on liberal educational institutions. Please forgive my judgmment based on observation phenomena derived from rearing chicken. My parents taught me to take care of the mother Han from the first day sitting on the eggs until the chicks hatched. Observing their growing and maturing one easily comes to conclusion that chicken have sense and are using their brain.

Zoro has demonstrated qualities matching good behavioral character.

Thank you for outstanding mentoring.

May you be blessed and prosperous.

Faith Reaper 4 years agofrom southern USA

A fine lady that Zorro indeed! Those who are most beautiful, are those who do not even realize such! I love the C. S. Lewis quote.

Thank you for sharing all about beautiful Zorro and giving us all a lesson in humility.

Up and more and sharing

Blessings, Faith Reaper

Maria Jordan 4 years agofrom Jeffersonville PA

Charmingly 'chick'que series...the names of your birds are priceless and the lessons are universal, Bill.

Hope you are having a great week. Love, Maria

Nithya Venkat 4 years agofrom Dubai

Great write, Zorro is great and I hope she realizes and struts her stuff. I loved the last two quotes. It is really very silly to consider that one gift is more important than the other. We are special and unique in our own ways. I wish we all could realize this. Great hub, voted up.

Patty Inglish 4 years agofrom USA. Member of Asgardia, the first space nation, since October 2016

A lot of birds are pretty snart and so is Zorro Chicken. One of these days I'll live in a place that allows chickens. I hope I have one like Zorro.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Kathryn, it is a pleasure to have you visit and I am ecstatic that you are happy with your life. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me. Happy Holidays to you my friend.

Kathryn 4 years agofrom Manchester, Connecticut

What a beautiful creature! Thanks for introducing Zorro to us, and showing the lessons you learned from this humble bird. This is such a pleasure to read!

Have a great day, my friend. I haven't been on this site as much lately, but I like to check out your articles every once in a while! Once I get used to things, I may be on here more. My life is going extremely well right now! I am so happy.

Voted up and shared.

~ Kathryn

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Oh PS, we have plenty of sunshine, but somewhere along the way the warmth left us. LOL It's a bit nippy this week for sure....bracing as my dad used to say. Well I am sufficiently braced!

Thank you as always my friend. Hugs and blessings heading your way

bill

Patricia Scott 4 years agofrom sunny Florida

Ms. Zorro...what a chick....I am waiting for the four inch heels, please.

CS Lewis know how to bring the point home in so many ways, did he not?

And your line..."respect is not a birth right but rather a reward for a life well lived" nailed it. Absolutely correct...we learned that as teachers, huh? Great hub, bill..

Angels are winging their way to you bringing some Florida sunshine and many hugs and blessings ps

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Audrey, you had me laughing probably without meaning to. If you were to ask some of my old teachers, I doubt they would agree with that genius label you graciously gave me. LOL I showed no signs of it in school. But thank you....you who know quite a bit about gifts and talent.

love,

bill

Audrey Hunt 4 years agofrom Idyllwild Ca.

Oh billy, this is the most fantastic story about Zorro. She is one classy chick...er...hen. If I were a chicken, I would want to be Zorro. I'd sure strut my stuff. She certainly deserves high heels and a black slinky dress.

You said something on this hub that made an impact on me - "My gifts do not make me a better person; only different." Thank you my friend for writing this. (Voted up and across. Pinning and sharing.)

There's a genius in our midst. His name is billybuc.

Much love and forever your friend - Audrey

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Bill, how could people not love Zorro? LOL Thanks buddy. It's always a pleasure to have you stop by.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you Nell. I'm so glad you enjoyed our little Zorro. I'll tell her you said hello! :)

Bill De Giulio 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

Gee Bill, I think we now all love Zorro. What a great chicken. I'm glad she has found her place in the coop. Can't wait to meet the rest of the gang.

Nell Rose 4 years agofrom England

I loved this! lol! I had visions of her auditioning for the new next film in the series of Chicken Run! haha! I really liked that film. seriously, I like the lessons too, and you told us her story really well, wonderful!

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Jaye, Bev is the one who holds the hens and talks to them, and I swear they love it when she does. They won't let me pick them up...Zorro on occasion will allow that...but the others just want me as a food supplier. LOL I have started calling Bev the Chicken Whisperer. :) She loves it.

Thank you for a great comment as always.

bill

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Ruby, I was hoping someone would love the Ruth Buzzi line. Thanks for making my efforts worthwhile. :)

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Well thank you W1totalk, and thanks for sharing Zorro's story. She is deeply appreciative. :)

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

DJ, the Queen of puns....love it, and may your feathers all lie in one direction as well. LOL You crack me up. I will send your regards to Zorro.

bill

Ruby Jean Richert 4 years agofrom Southern Illinois

Ruth Buzzi, what a hoot! That line cracked me up. Ha..Zorro is my kind of gal. Beautiful but doesn't flaunt it. I liked the way she looked after her coop friends. Great story, really fun to read...

W1totalk 4 years ago

This was a great story about Zorro. Life, respect, a lot is earned. Thank you again billybuc.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

drbj....Streep as a brunette? I can see it. :) Thanks my friend and next week you will meet Butter Bitch.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Joelle, it's been cold for sure....16 degrees the past two morning....not rising above freezing...but no snow yet, and I doubt we will have a white Christmas....we rarely do. :)

kidscrafts 4 years agofrom Ottawa, Canada

The temperature is not too bad today, around 46 Farenheid. We got 10 inches of snow last week and it's melting today. But more snow is on the way for Monday! I think it will be a white Christmas this year!

How is the temperature around your place?

Jaye Denman 4 years agofrom Deep South, USA

Bill - This was a delightful read, and your metaphors were no less glorious when applied to the chicken world. The lady Zorro sounds like a wonderful fowl with a personality as beautiful as her feathered exterior.

While most people who have pets readily proclaim their dogs and/or cats as intelligent, there's a decided lack of enthusiasm about admitting to the cognitive abilities of other animals, particularly those normally used for food.

Yet, scientific research during the past decade proves that birds of all types (including chickens) are as intelligent as toddlers. No wonder more and more individuals are opting for a plant-based diet rather than eat animals that are smart enough to win a video game! (I use that example because in a study between pigs and primates playing video games, the pigs were usually the victors. That result makes bacon for breakfast seem as appetizing as cannibalism to me, although I realize it won't affect hard-core carnivores in the same manner.)

I will be certain to catch the rest of your series about "the girls." One of my favorite British TV series, "Pie in the Sky", features a chef who visits his egg-laying hens in their screened abode and holds one while he chats to the group. I'll bet Zorro would be right at home there, but I'm assured by your description that she's happy with her friends in your backyard chicken farm in Olympia, Washington.

Voted Up++

Jaye

drbj and sherry 4 years agofrom south Florida

Really enjoyed this anthropomorphic tale, Bill. Zorro has a personality like Mother Teresa if she were portrayed in a film by Meryl Streep in a brunette hairdo. Looking forward to meeting all the other denizens of your chicken coop.

DJ Anderson 4 years ago

Bill, I have been deeply troubled since your first installment of the "Chicken Chronicles" and the story of poor Regalia and her cross

beak.

I worked in orthodontics for many years and cannot begin to tell you of the success stories. And, I have to say that every one of my patients was a chicken in the beginning.

If you truly love Regalia as you say, you need to fined a qualified Chicken Orthodontist. I'm sure you have seen the signs, "We cater to Chickens".

Not to be confused with, "We cater Chickens".

It is good to keep in mind that at one time or another, we have all been

a little chicken.

An old Indian saying, "May all your feathers lie in one direction".

No, I just made that up.

DJ. :-)

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Joelle, they really are interesting creatures and I totally enjoy them. I may not stop after I finish highlighting the four others....I can see the series living on....as long as my imagination keeps working I'll keep writing. :) Thank you and i hope it isn't too cold in Ottawa today.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Jamie, I don't think you will have any regrets. Fresh eggs daily and a dinner now and then when they get too old...and free entertainment daily. How can you lose? :) Thanks my friend.

kidscrafts 4 years agofrom Ottawa, Canada

If one day you have any regret of naming your chicken Zorro... you can always change it in Zorra ;-)

Since my husband and I are married, we have had 5 cats and I always gave them a name of a flower. But our last cat is a male.... and I named him Lotus. For me it's the name of a flower.... for my husband, it's the name of a car :-) So it's always possible to compromise.

I love your chicken stories! One of my son had a little farm up North in Quebec with chickens.... so I heard quite a few stories about chickens and roosters. But soon I will not hear anymore of those because he is leaving from there and going back to the big city tomorrow. But to compensate, I know that you have 4 more of your chickens to talk about :-)

It's so interesting to observe the temperament of any kind of animals. They all have their particularities.... just like us :-)

Thanks for sharing another beautiful and interesting hub!

Jamie Lee Hamann 4 years agofrom Reno NV

This is very informative, we are going to start raising chickens, maybe next season. Jamie

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Alicia, thank you. They are not too eager to leave their coop in this weather and that is a fact. :) Hunger eventually forces them to go venture out on the frosted grass.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Flourish, I will not leave your waiting for long. Butter Bitch will be spotlighted next week. :) Thank you for the visit.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you DDE. I greatly appreciate your loyal following.

Linda Crampton 4 years agofrom British Columbia, Canada

This is a lovely piece of writing, Bill. I love the creative way in which you describe your chickens and relate their personalities to human life! I hope all the chickens are doing well in the cold weather that we've been experiencing.

FlourishAnyway 4 years agofrom USA

I love this series. Outstanding read. Animals in my mind are always interesting subjects. They do have distinctive personalities and preferences of their own. I am looking forward to knowing more about this intriguing Butter Bitch character. You and your names!

Devika Primić 4 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

You have many informative and interesting hubs and you keep sharing the best here. Chickens are amazing. Always a good read.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you mathira....I know you understand those words and live them.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Jo, you can count on me giving you a chicken update from time to time. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope your day was a good one and you are now relaxing. Thank you my friend.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you Mary! :) The girls get nervous when they hear talk like that.

mathira 4 years agofrom chennai

'Respect is not a birthright, but rather a reward for a life well lived', i loved those words.Wonderful hub and precious lessons to be taken from Zorro, billy.

Jo Alexis-Hagues 4 years agofrom Lincolnshire, U.K

We could learn a lot from Zorro. I thoroughly enjoyed this...you do realize that you'll have to keep us informed about the antics in the chicken house, don't you? :) Another brilliant write. Take care and my best to you, Bev and the chickens.

Mary McShane 4 years agofrom Fort Lauderdale, Florida

LOL Bill.. ok, it'll be hush hush

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Mary, we can't let the chickens hear you talking like that. LOL The poor little dears would be traumatized and we don't need that now do we?

Love your comment...and thank you for stopping by.

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Fabulous, Ann! Enjoy that soup and have a wonderful evening.

bill

Mary McShane 4 years agofrom Fort Lauderdale, Florida

As someone who knows not the first thing about raising chickens, this was interesting to me. The beginner video had my total attention. It is fascinating yet one can see the hard work it will take to raise chickens.

For me and mine, we will continue to buy it from the market, preferably on sale, skinned and deboned and sometimes fresh killed. My aren't we a lazy bunch at my house! Yes, we are aware of all the additives and possible bacteria in packaged chicken, and my only answer is that chicken may enter our home in a package but is treated like royalty before it hits the table. The chicken goes through a stringent process after it gets into my house -cleansing bath, marinade and a thorough cooking process. lol TY Bill for another great insightful hub.

Ann Carr 4 years agofrom SW England

Thank you, bill. I'm lucky to have someone to make me soup and look after me, so that and your warm thoughts will see me through brilliantly! Ann

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Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Ann my friend, feel better soon. Winter has arrived here for sure; it is just a matter of time before one of us joins you in wheezing and coughing.

You would like Zorro for sure....great attitude for a chicken...on a person for that matter. :)

Feel better soon my friend. Sending warm thoughts across the Pond.

bill

Ann Carr 4 years agofrom SW England

I can't get rid of the image of your chicken in high heels and a slinky evening dress! I didn't like chickens much until I had some, then I found them fascinating and they certainly do have characters all their own. They also suss out very quickly where they stand in the hierarchy and how to avoid trouble! Zorro sounds lovely; beauty and a quiet character - what more could you want?

I like the lesson here and it's such a great way of getting it across. You've cheered up my afternoon in a grey, windy Somerset where I'm sniffing, sneezing and coughing, surrounded by a pile of tissues - aaah, poor me!! I hope you have a great evening and please say 'sweet dreams' to Zorro for me. Ann

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Hell, Sha, they come right up to my studio and peck on the door for food....little shits! LOL They are fun and I plan on always having some wherever we end up. Thanks my dear...later, gator!

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

LOL...John, for some reason chicken poop doesn't bother me, but duck poop is just gross. :) Thanks for the warning and the visit.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Mary, I'm glad you got a laugh out of that one....I had fun writing that paragraph. LOL Have a wonderful day my friend and thank you.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Thank you Jackie. She really is a beauty, isn't she? :)

Shauna L Bowling 4 years agofrom Central Florida

I'm loving this series. Chickens are fascinating and comical creatures. I've never spent any time around chickens, but the videos and photos you share offer a glimpse into their habits and personalities. I was chuckling through the video about free range chickens. I'll bet your girls keep you in stitches as you peer out your office window!

John Hansen 4 years agofrom Queensland Australia

We can all learn a lot from chickens Bill, and you have tapped into that for this series of hubs. Well done. Yes Zorro is a beautiful hen, glad she befriended Regalia too. If you think chickens poop a lot, don't get ducks.

Mary Craig 4 years agofrom New York

Only you would find this beautiful life lesson in the chicken coop! Yes, Zorro is a lovely bird, but you don't need me to tell you that. What is a amazing is every word about Zorro is true about us and you've found it and pointed it out.

I love the quote by St. Augustine. A good reminder to all of us. I am, of course, still chuckling to see Ruth Buzzi's scrunchy, net haired lady at a Miss America Contest!

Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting, and shared.

Jackie Lynnley 4 years agofrom The Beautiful South

She is beautiful and loved the video, learn something new with you every day! ^+

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Poolman, you obviously do have chickens because what you say is absolutely true about the pecking order...pun intended of course. Thanks buddy; I'll tell Zorro you said she was beautiful.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

jrpierce, I already know I'm going to be raising chickens until the day I die. I love having them around even though they sure poop a lot. LOL Thank you!

Old Poolman 4 years ago

Bill, as a fellow chicken farmer I can relate well to this hub. I find it interesting to watch "chicken behavior" out in my coop. What I have determined is that a flock of chickens is not that much different than a group of humans. Every group has a leader just as a flock of chickens have a leader. The pecking order is well established, and adding or subtracting even one chicken from the flock causes upset. When this happens, the process of establishing the pecking order starts all over again.

Zorro is a beautiful chicken by the way.

Author

Bill Holland 4 years agofrom Olympia, WA

Eric, there is a lesson in your story, true? LOL I would have done the same thing my friend. Thanks for the honesty and the lesson about life.

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